My Favorite Paint Colors for Kitchen Cabinetry

Posted on February 1, 2018

I got a really great question on Instagram, and thought it was worthy of a blog post- it’s also timely since we’re mid kitchen reno. Someone asked about choosing paint colors and finishes for kitchen cabinetry. It’s a tough decision, so I thought I’d help narrow it down, share some tips, as well as with my favorite colors depending on the look you’re going for. Click through for the post!

For the purposes of this post and the graphics below- I used the same cabinetry door style and swapped the color- this way, you can strictly judge the hue instead of focusing on style. Before we dive in, this isn’t a “kitchen in a box” solution… there are so many factors that determine what color paint is right for your kitchen. Think about these things in combination to paint swatches:

Countertop Material

Hardware

Lighting Finishes

Appliance Finishes

Tile Flooring or Backsplash

Existing Textiles (window treatments, rugs, etc)

When deciding on the cabinetry finish, there are also many factors that come into play:

Is this a DIY project?

How will you apply the paint?

Is it worth it to have your cabinetry professionally painted?

What type of paint does the professional require?

Will the cabinetry get lots of use?

How important is durability to you?

For example, our cabinetry is being custom made by Emmett’s work (lucky, I know). I was very specific about custom paint and stain colors, and wanted to pick those out and mix them myself. I worked with Sherwin-Williams and ordered a “pre-catelized” product that works with professional spray guns. It’s the single type of paint that the cabinetry workshop allows. Instead of normal finishes, I had to familiarize myself with the industry finishes. We went with a “medium rub” on the uppers- which translates to semi gloss, and a dull custom stain for the lowers.

Let’s start with everyone’s favorite…

N E U T R A L S

I personally think neutrals are classic and timeless- no matter the trend. I know people tire of the white or neutral kitchen, but I think it’s all about the materials used alongside the cabinetry to make it work in a way that feels different or unique. SPOILER ALERT- our uppers will be a neutral color, while the lowers are natural wood. Any guesses what color? It may or may not be in the roundup.

T U X E D O S

It’s no secret that two toned or “tuxedo” kitchens, as they’re often called, are rising in popularity. It’s a great way to have the best of best worlds and add depth and dimension to a kitchen. There are a couple ways to go about selecting cohesive colors for uppers and lowers… 1.) high contrast, or 2.) tone-on-tone. I’m predicting we’ll begin to see more tone-on-tone in the coming years, while high contrast feels classic, yet trendy.

I’ll wrap up by saying, cabinetry is expensive and pretty permanent, but that doesn’t mean you always have to play it safe. Be confident in your choice! As a rule of thumb, if I’m getting crazy with color, I try to keep it muddy and less saturated than normal. I think muted colors look more sophisticated than brights, which sometimes appear juvenile or trendy.

Did that help anyone who is considering giving their cabinetry a facelift? I’m SO excited to get our cabinetry installed. The wait and anticipation is killing me, but I know it will be worth it in the end. Patience was never my strong suit.

This is such a good post and I love how you kept the cabinet style the same so the color differences truly shine! We have a tuxedo kitchen (white and black – which I love!), but I am also really digging the tone on tone tuxedo style as well. I can’t wait to see what color you have picked for your uppers!

Hi Kim, I’m so sorry, but I’m no longer accepting e-design projects due to time. I’d recommend contacting a local designer! Or- if you day the DIY route… I’d highly recommend ordering swatches and living with them for at least a week prior to making a decision. Seeing how colors change at different times of the day is really important. Hope this helps! My apologies. xo

Jacqui

February 1, 2018 at 8:02 am

I agree with the above poster—the tone on tone tuxedo is really speaking to me. Not something you see everyday, but still totally accessible for resale (now that I’m thinking about that, due to yesterday’s post). I would love to see that in a kitchen!

Becky

February 1, 2018 at 4:35 pm

We’re going with all-white cabinets to visually open up the space in our small kitchen. I’m going to go dark on the countertops, though, for contrast and style. Haven’t totally settled on backsplash. Love the colors, but decided that the white is best to make the space look as large as possible. Plus, I want to go with wood-look tile floors that will blend with our oak trim, so needed a definition between all the wood and the cabinets. I thought about an off-white or light cream cabinet because it would look nice with the trim, but I’m tending towards a more transitional style and I wondered if the off-white or cream would be too traditional. What do you think?

Prerona Buragohain

March 24, 2018 at 6:23 am

Hello , your post was of great help. I really liked it and tuxedo is a great idea. I got to know more about colors now . I’m thinking to redo my small kitchen. We live in a condo. Its dull grey now which i don’t like it. I’m a bit confused what color should i paint my kitchen cabinets. Could you please give me your suggestion?

Neha

April 10, 2018 at 3:06 pm

Hi Sarah ,

Such an amazing post. Love the visuals you have put together . My new home kitchen needs a serious makeover as have 80’s wood cabinets .Thinking of getting them professionally painted ,add hardware ,change the sink and add new faucet. I do want to keep the back splash and granite counter tops which are new (light brown sadly and not white )

What colors do you think could look the best if I do decide in keeping them .

Lori

Suave

May 6, 2018 at 4:38 am

Sarah, the color Palettes are awesome. Very nice. I am thinking of Seagull grey colour for my cabinets, or even a light color to bring more light into a dark kitchen. I have chosen a shade like the analytical grey, for the countertop

Problem is: The floor is cream and bone colour ceramic tiles. I have to work with it due to budget restriction. What are your suggestions foe working with a beige and creamy tiles and light grey palette. Thanks

Nicole

Jo

July 10, 2018 at 9:29 am

Hello, I would appreciate any help as i’m having my maple cabinets spray painted and i’m looking for a timeless colors in the creamy whites by Benjamin Moore. if it helps, my granite Lshaped counters are Giallo Ornamental Granite and my floors are ceramic white with very light grey running thru it.

Lynn Norris

September 9, 2018 at 11:34 am

I am building a new home. I am struggling with my kitchen more than any other room. It is very open. I do not want white cabnets. It seems that every new home I look at has white. What do you suggest for a creamy (not yellow) beige/grey color? Floors are hardwood. Also would love idea for counter top.

About Me

Designer & Blogger

Hi there! I'm Sarah, creator of this blog. Expect to find inspiration and original content related to: interiors & styling, renovating, DIY, and home improvement projects! My husband Emmett and I are currently renovating our second house in Salt Lake City, Utah. Follow along and say hi!

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